On January 20, FNC Entertainment released Yong Hwa's first solo album, entitled "One Fine Day" It contains ten tracks all written by him with appearances from JJ Lin, Yoon Do Hyun, Verbal Jint, Peter Malick and YDG. Being known as the frontman/vocalist of his band CNBlue, plus his amazing songwriting skills, it was no doubt that this album is a must have among kpop fans (especially among BOICE).
So, shall we start? (P.S. This is once again and forever be based on my personal opinion and apparently taste and style of music, NO HATING please :))
Intro, well to be honest, there is nothing much to say about this track except for the fact that it preludes the next track "One Fine Day."
Next is this album's title track One Fine Day, upon hearing the first few seconds of the song, I know it will be heartbreaking, and I was right. From the lyrics itself down to its melody, beat and rhythm, it really is a sad song, like the songs that 2AM will sing or an OST of a k-drama where the girl left the boy for some personal issues or what not. I really think it is a good song and somehow very relatable especially among the broken hearted ones who were still unable to completely forget and move on. This song even made me think about my past relationships, but just to let everyone know I have completely moved on and happy with my new found love :))
Cruel Memories, is one of the five songs where he collaborated with other artists. In this track, he collaborated with rocker Yoon Do Hyun of YB ( a famous rock bank in South Korea). Truth be told, I am not a rock music fan, but this song really caught my ears and I really like it. I really love how the instruments compliments Yong Hwa's smooth vocals and Do Hyun's raspy's voice and vice versa.
Energy, a pop-rock song where he collaborated with Verbal Jint and one my favorite tracks in this album. I love how light this song is, unlike the first two songs which really sounds sad but good for me, this one made me feel warm and cheery, and I also like the clever lyrics/words Yong Hwa used for this song, its like a confession, where he asks for the girl to be together with him for she is his source of energy. Aww, it made my heart skipped a beat, how about you? Haha
Next is Mileage, a collaboration with YDG (a rapper and an actor by the way). It is a pre-released track of this album that somehow garnered attention among kpopers because of its witty lyrics and relaxing sound. It is a given that Yong Hwa's voice sounds so sweet and relaxing in this song, and I know many will disagree with me on this, but I really like the drunken-tone/style of rapping YDG used here, I really think it suits the song in general. I maybe have a weird style of music but I really think that sweet voice and drunken rapping is a good combo for this song. Also based on my understanding of the lyrics of this song, the guy (husband) is asking his girl (wife) for a hall pass (like the movie);a night where he can be free and do whatever he wants. Haha. Pretty clever right?
Checkmate, another collaborated track with JJ Lin, a Singaporean singer-songwriter based in Taiwan. A straight rock song accompanied by electric guitars and their outstanding vocals. When I first heard this song on my ipod, I was really confused for I heard like three languages used for this song, which were korean, english and chinese. I really found it weird at first, then it gradually made its way to my ears and now I am repeatedly listening to it. And don't forget the lyrics, the song may sound harsh but the lyrics are sweetest. ;)
Next is Without You, another favorite track of mine or maybe the best song for me in this album. This song reminds me of CNBlue's Can't Stop, which I also love, maybe it's because of the piano I guess. There are 4 reasons why I really love this song, one is I love how the song started from a soft, piano-driven melody then gradually layer of sounds were added making the song more powerful. Second, the lyrics, I'm really amazed of Yonghwa's songwriting abilities, and this particular song, those words really hit the right spot. I like how he keeps on insisting that he is fine without her, that he is now living his life better without her, then at the end of the song, he takes everything back, and that he wants her back again to his side. I love his clever yet honest lyrics. It really feels sincere for me. Third, his voice, there is no denying of the fact that his voice is one of the best amongst all kpop idols/singers in the industry. His sweet and smooth tone is really perfect for this song, and I really love how his voice gradually progress from soft to a more powerful tone. His vocal range is indeed daebak! Forth, the emotions/feelings, for some reason, everytime I hear this song, I can really feel what Yong Hwa is trying to say, that he is longing for love. This song is just full of pure feelings of love and longingness, its just daebak for me.
Last Leaf, another piano-driven track that gradually becomes upbeat. For me, I think this song was written by Yong Hwa for CNBlue to sing, it definitely has the CNBlue feels to it. The lyrics also gives me the feeling of warmth and security, like the feeling of being loved by someone plus the chorus part made me hit the repeat button for this song.
Goodnight Lover, this is definitely the most catchy song in this album, actually it's catchy and cheesy at the same time. From its repetitive lyrics and somewhat summer like feeling of the beat, LSS is on baby. I can also see myself listening to this while going to work or like having a road trip with my friends. I think I'll add this on my road trip playlist.
And last but definitely not the least, 27 Years with American Blues guitarist Peter Malick. A song about reminiscing the past, all those good beautiful days with your friends, the old happy times. I really think this song perfectly concludes this album, after listening to mostly sad love songs (which are good songs too by the way), there is no better way to refresh your ears with this feel-good and relaxing track. By listening to this song, it really does make you think about those old times.
Overall, I think this album showed Yonghwa's soft and sweet side, which I think is refreshing to see and hear. Aside from his amazing voice, I really commend his songwriting skills in this album, and for some reason it feels relatable. Some may think that this album didn't put up to their expectations of Yong Hwa, but for me it is a good debut album for him, maybe because it showed a different side of him for me which I like. I'm giving this a 7/10 and I'm looking forward for more beautiful songs not only from Yong Hwa but also from CNBlue. Fighting!
A's recommended tracks: "Without You", "Energy", "Cruel Memories", "27 Years"
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